Ankita Arondekar, a 20-year-old food and travel influencer from Margao, Salcete, Goa, has carved a niche for herself in the digital world. With the social media handle @ankii__1423, Ankita’s journey began in a small town but soon transcended borders, combining her passion for travel and food into a captivating narrative that resonates with her followers.
Personal Background
Ankita’s journey is rooted in her vibrant hometown of Margao, Salcete, Goa. Growing up amidst the rich culture and diverse cuisine of Goa, she developed a deep appreciation for food and travel. This background laid the foundation for her future as an influencer, merging her love for exploring new places with a curiosity for discovering unique culinary experiences.
Influencer Journey
Ankita’s foray into the world of social media began with Instagram, where she initially joined to connect with friends and share everyday moments. However, her perspective shifted dramatically during the COVID-19 lockdown. Alongside her cousins, she began experimenting with various food recipes, which sparked her interest in food. As she started travelling more frequently with her cousins, Ankita began documenting their adventures, sharing videos and reels that quickly gained traction. Her content resonated with a growing audience, inspiring her to pursue a career as a food and travel influencer.
Content Creation
Primarily, Ankita uses Instagram to share her content, including reels and posts that capture her travel and food experiences. While she does not limit herself to a specific niche, Ankita aims to explore and highlight the culinary delights of every state and country she visits. This approach allows her to showcase a wide variety of cuisines, reflecting her goal of discovering the unique flavours and stories behind each dish.
Travel Preferences
Ankita has a long list of destinations in her travel bucket list, with Portugal being a top priority. She is particularly drawn to Portugal due to the cultural and culinary similarities it shares with Goa. Travelling with her cousins, who are her favourite travel partners, Ankita values the camaraderie and shared experiences that come with group travel.
Food Experiences
Ankita’s love for travel naturally led her to explore new and unique food experiences. She believes that every place has its own history and distinctive culinary offerings, which she is eager to discover. Ankita’s process for selecting restaurants or food vendors involves thorough research and recommendations from locals and fellow travellers. Although she hasn’t faced significant challenges related to dietary restrictions, she remains open to navigating such situations with flexibility and creativity.
Influencer Collaborations
Ankita has collaborated with various brands and tourism boards, leveraging these partnerships to enhance her content and reach a wider audience. When considering potential collaborations, she prioritises brands and destinations that align with her values and content style, ensuring authenticity and relevance in her partnerships.
Audience Engagement
Engaging with her audience is a crucial aspect of Ankita’s influencer journey. She interacts with her followers through regular updates, responding to comments and messages, and creating engaging content that invites participation. Her audience is particularly drawn to her travel stories and food adventures, which often spark discussions and recommendations. Ankita handles negative feedback with grace, viewing it as an opportunity to improve and connect more deeply with her audience.
Travel Logistics
Planning her travel itineraries involves meticulous research and organisation. Ankita ensures that her trips are well-structured, balancing work and leisure to make the most of each destination. Essential items for her travel include a reliable smartphone for capturing content, a portable charger, and travel insurance for peace of mind. Balancing content creation with personal enjoyment, Ankita remains committed to both her work and the joy of travel.
Future Goals
Looking ahead, Ankita envisions expanding her influence and reach as a food and travel influencer. She aims to explore new destinations, delve deeper into diverse culinary traditions, and continue growing her online presence. Ankita’s future plans include visiting places like Japan and South Korea, known for their rich food cultures and unique travel experiences. To achieve these goals, she is dedicated to honing her content creation skills, building strong partnerships, and staying connected with her audience.
Advice for Aspiring Influencers
Ankita’s journey offers valuable insights for aspiring food and travel influencers. She advises newcomers to follow their passion, start small, and stay flexible in their plans. Prioritising personal relationships and balancing work with leisure are crucial for long-term success. Key lessons from Ankita’s journey include the importance of authentic engagement, continuous learning, and maintaining a genuine connection with one’s audience.
Conclusion
Ankita Arondekar’s story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Her journey from a small town in Goa to becoming a recognized food and travel influencer is marked by creativity, hard work, and a deep love for exploring the world. As she continues to inspire others with her content, Ankita remains committed to discovering new places, savouring diverse cuisines, and sharing her adventures with a growing community of followers.
